After 11 months, Vietnam chili exports have recorded impressive growth. For the first time, they have surpassed the USD 100 million mark, becoming the leading export item in the vegetable category.
According to data from the Import–Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s total vegetable export turnover in the first 11 months of the year reached approximately USD 380.9 million, up 13.9% year on year. Within this overall picture, Vietnamese chili emerged as the standout product. It led in both export scale and growth momentum.
Vietnam chili exports
Specifically, Vietnam chili exports reached nearly USD 102 million, an increase of 20.1% compared with the same period last year. This was also the highest level that the value of Vietnamese chili exports ever recorded. Converted at Vietcombank’s exchange rate, this figure is equivalent to about VND 2.65 trillion. With this result, Vietnam’s chili accounted for nearly 27% of total vegetable export value. It far outpaced other products.
Major markets for Vietnam chili exports include China, Laos, and South Korea. In addition, a smaller volume is available to the United States. Among these markets, China remains the largest due to strong demand and seasonal production gaps. Vietnam has the advantage of year-round chili production. Meanwhile, China typically has only one to two main growing seasons, forcing it to rely on imports to make up for supply shortages.
The chili varieties most favored by the market include chi thien chili and bird’s eye chili. Both are known for their high pungency and rich flavor, making them well suited for food processing.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen is the Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. According to him, chili is a high-value spice that is widely consumed. This is particularly true in China and South Korea, where it is an indispensable ingredient in many traditional dishes such as hot pot and kimchi.
Vietnamese chili farms
Export chili prices fluctuate sharply depending on seasonality, quality, and supply–demand dynamics. Under normal conditions, prices range from VND 45,000 to 65,000 per kilogram. However, when supply is tight, prices can surge dramatically.
Toward the end of 2025, domestic chili prices for export at times climbed to VND 120,000–150,000 per kilogram. This occurred as Vietnamese chili companies ramped up purchases to fulfill chili export orders.
Following chili, other vegetable products posted more modest export values. Sweet potato exports reached USD 32.5 million, up 1.5%. Meanwhile, Vietnamese ginger totaled USD 29.4 million, up 30.2%.
Although garlic recorded a strong growth rate of 91.8%, its export turnover stood at just USD 21.2 million. By contrast, cauliflower exports amounted to USD 16.4 million, down 11.1%. Meanwhile, Chinese cabbage reached USD 14.8 million, edging up 1%.
Vietnames source: https://doanhnhansaigon.vn/ot-viet-nam-lap-ky-luc-xuat-khau-vuot-moc-100-trieu-usd-331540.html